Corporate Sustainability Policy for RH Design and Planning
1. Introduction and Commitment
RH Design and Planning is committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our practice—from our internal operations to the projects we design and plan for our clients. We recognize our responsibility to contribute to resilient, equitable, and environmentally sound communities. This policy reflects our commitment to "Empathy-driven projects for real change" by ensuring that we address the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our work.
2. Policy Scope and Responsibility
Our Projects: Integrating sustainability principles into all planning, design, consultation, and advisory services.
Our Operations: Managing the environmental and social impact of our day-to-day business activities.
3. Pillars of Sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability is organized around three core pillars: Sustainable Design & Planning, Environmental Stewardship, and Social Responsibility & Governance.
3.1 Sustainable Design & Planning (Our Core Business)
We commit to advocating for and incorporating sustainable principles into every project, including master plans, urban design guidelines, placemaking, and mobility plans.
Advocate for low-carbon and net-zero energy strategies in building and infrastructure design. Integrate climate risk assessment and resilience planning (e.g., heat island mitigation, stormwater management) into urban design and site studies.
Promote the use of regionally sourced, low-impact, recycled, or rapidly renewable materials in material specifications and urban design standards. Plan for resource recovery and waste reduction at the neighborhood and municipal level.
Prioritize green infrastructure, including the preservation and enhancement of existing ecosystems, natural habitats, and urban tree canopy in all land use and open space planning.
Design and plan for high-quality, safe, and equitable public transit, pedestrian networks, and cycling infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Ensure our co-creation and engagement services actively reach diverse voices, especially marginalized communities. Advocate for design outcomes that promote equitable access to green space, services, and affordable housing.
3.2 Environmental Stewardship (Our Operations)
We commit to minimizing the environmental footprint of our office and travel.
Measure our operational carbon footprint annually. Prioritize energy-efficient equipment and lighting in the office. Source 100% renewable electricity for our office space (where feasible via a green energy provider or offsets).
Implement a comprehensive office recycling and composting program. Reduce paper consumption by defaulting to digital processes for contracts and project documentation.
Encourage the use of public transport, cycling, or walking for employee commutes. Utilize virtual meetings over air travel whenever possible to minimize business travel emissions.
Prefer vendors and suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social sustainability, especially for office supplies and IT equipment.
3.3 Social Responsibility & Governance (ESG)
Maintain a strict code of ethics and integrity in all business dealings. Ensure transparency in reporting on our sustainability performance.
Foster a safe, inclusive, and diverse work environment. Provide employees with professional development opportunities focused on sustainability best practices (e.g., LEED, Passive House, Envision).
Allocate a minimum number of pro-bono hours or financial contributions annually to local organizations focused on social or environmental progress. Share our sustainability knowledge and research with the planning community.
4. Implementation, Measurement, and Review
Track and record key performance indicators (KPIs) for our operations (e.g., energy consumption, waste metrics) and projects (e.g., integration of green infrastructure, equity metrics).
Communicate our progress against our goals to clients, and partners annually.